Despite not appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Elizabeth Olsen hasn’t shied away from discussing her tenure as a superhero. Starting with 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, the actress has portrayed Wanda Maximoff, seeing her through one of the most complex arcs in the franchise. Wanda goes from a manipulated lab rat to one of the most powerful magic users in the MCU, the Scarlet Witch. Her arc reached its peak when she headlined the Disney+ series WandaVision, though she seemingly died after taking a villainous turn in Multiverse of Madness.

In a recent appearance on the Wild Card with Rachel Martin podcast, Olsen opened up about why she joined the MCU and also why she tends to take roles that differ from Wanda. Unpacking what drew her to the franchise, the actress said she “thought the Iron Man movies were so so great,” reminding her of “Greek-type [and] scale stories.” She continued by complimenting how the films “reflected politics [and] culture in a really lovely way.” Because of that, she “felt really proud to jump into” the MCU.

However, Olsen then addressed the negative reputation that the franchise has received in recent years: “Within the last 10 years it’s taken on this narrative of… It’s like a H๏τ take whether an actor says […] they would never do a Marvel movie […] or filmmakers think it’s ruining theaters.“

Switching subjects, the actress talked about how she selects her roles:

“I have spent so many years doing Marvel that I feel like all the other jobs I have to do have to really reflect my personal taste because as much as I love being a part of this world — and I’m proud of what I’ve been able to do with the character — it’s not really the art that I consume, which I have been very, I think, honest about.”

Olsen concluded: “I feel like I have to really focus on what to couple all of those films and shows that I do with Marvel with to showcase my taste.”

What Elizabeth Olsen’s MCU Comments Mean

While Olsen does not name names, her comments regarding criticism of the MCU recall statements made by legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese. The Goodfellas director has, on multiple occasions, called out superhero films as “not cinema,” adding that they are not “cinema of human beings trying to convey emotional, psychological experiences to another human being.” His criticisms have sparked a larger debate as to the creative merit of the MCU and other superhero franchises as a result, and even Marvel responded.

As for Olsen herself, it’s not unusual for an actor to pursue roles that differ drastically from their major franchise parts. For example, fellow MCU veteran Dave Bautista has tended towards indie films in addition to blockbusters. Outside of Marvel, Daniel Radcliffe, after playing Harry Potter for eight films, has done the same, opting for pᴀssion projects. Olsen’s comments are less a rejection of the MCU and more so a natural response for an actor seeking more creative challenges.

Our Take On Elizabeth Olsen’s MCU Comments

Olsen has primarily spoken positively of her time in the MCU, and she’s even slated to return to voice Wanda in Marvel Zombies. While she chooses other roles to suit her personal creative interests, she doesn’t seem to have any major issue with having played Scarlet Witch. Even so, she was not included in the Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement and has no further announced live-action appearances as Wanda, making her overall MCU future uncertain.

Marvel Cinematic Universe

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Iron Man

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ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool & Wolverine, Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, Blade (2025), The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Avengers: Doomsday (2026), Avengers: Secret Wars

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Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

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